Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University is a three-year full-time undergraduate degree focused on agriculture, agricultural production and sustainable farming systems. It combines scientific knowledge with practical agricultural experience, covering soil management, plant and animal production, farming systems, land use and agricultural decision-making. Lincoln describes itself as New Zealand’s leading land-based university and says it has supported agriculture and land-based industries for more than 140 years.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Develop detailed knowledge of soil management, plant science, animal science and farming systems.
• Learn to use farm-sourced data to improve land use, soil and nutrient management, plant and feed production, and animal production.
• Gain substantial practical experience through 28 weeks of paid full-time practical work.
• Experience both dairy and sheep/beef farming environments.
• Develop analytical, scientific, problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to modern agriculture.
• Build knowledge applicable to sustainable agricultural production and changing agricultural technologies.
• Access a specialist land-based university environment with strong links to agriculture and primary industries.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme comprises compulsory courses and selected electives. Lincoln states that the published structure is indicative and that a course adviser will assist students with elective selection and degree planning.

Year 1:

Semester 1:

• MGMT 103 – Primary Industry Systems, 15 credits
• PHSC 101 – Chemistry IA, 15 credits
• LINC 101 – Land, People and Economies, 15 credits
• B.Agr. suggested elective

Semester 2:

• ANSC 105 – Animal Science, 15 credits
• SOSC 106 – Soil Science I, 15 credits
• PLSC 104 – Plant Science I, 15 credits
• B.Agr. suggested elective.

Year 2:

Semester 1:

• PLSC 204 – Plant Production Systems, 15 credits
• ANSC 213 – Livestock Production Science, 15 credits
• MGMT 201 – Principles of Agricultural Systems, 15 credits
• SOSC 224 – Soil Management, 15 credits

Semester 2:

• QMET 201 – Biometrics, 15 credits
• B.Agr.Sc. suggested elective
• Elective
• Elective.

Year 3:

Semester 1:

• AGRI 393 – Agricultural Practicum, 15 credits
• B.Agr. Schedule B course
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• B.Agr. Schedule B courses
• Electives.

Students must complete at least four courses from the Bachelor of Agriculture Schedule B at 300 level.

Schedule B includes:

• MGMT 316 – Evaluating Agricultural Systems
• PLSC 320 – Crop Science
• ANSC 312 – Dairy Production Science
• QMET 306 – Experimentation
• SOSC 340 – Advanced Soil Management
• MGMT 318 – Opportunity Analysis in Agricultural Systems
• PLSC 321 – Pasture Agronomy
• MGMT 317 – Strategic Management in Agricultural Systems
• ANSC 314 – Meat and Wool Production Science.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Bachelor of Agriculture does not currently list separate named majors or formal specialisations on the programme page.

Students can develop an area of interest through their elective choices and the 300-level Schedule B courses.

Key academic disciplines include:

• Agricultural systems
• Soil science and soil management
• Plant science
• Plant production
• Crop science
• Pasture agronomy
• Animal science
• Livestock production
• Dairy production
• Meat and wool production
• Agricultural management
• Agricultural systems evaluation
• Agricultural sustainability
• Biometrics and experimentation
• Agricultural technology and data-based decision-making
• Environmental and resource management.

Practical Work

Practical work is a major compulsory component of the degree.

Students are expected to complete 28 weeks of paid full-time practical work, including:

• 10–14 weeks on one dairy farm.
• 10–14 weeks on one sheep or beef farm.
• Any remaining practical-work period can be completed on another farm or in an allied industry of the student's choice. 

Programme Highlights

• 3 years full-time.
• 360 credits.
• 24 courses.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Strong focus on agriculture and agricultural production.
• Soil, plant and animal science integrated with farming systems.
• Data-driven approaches to agricultural improvement.
• 28 weeks of paid full-time practical work.
• Practical experience across dairy and sheep/beef farming.
• Minimum 75 credits at 300 level.
• At least four 300-level Schedule B courses.
• Opportunities to select electives according to academic interests.
• Strong focus on scientific, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln identifies the following types of career opportunities for Bachelor of Agriculture graduates:

• Soil consultancy
• Farm management
• Agronomy
• Environmental advisory
• Farming technology.

Potential career areas include:

• Farm manager
• Agricultural consultant
• Agronomist
• Soil adviser/consultant
• Agricultural technology specialist
• Environmental adviser
• Agricultural systems adviser
• Livestock production adviser
• Crop-production adviser.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa unless they already hold another visa that permits their proposed study.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have, among other things:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Enough money to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship.
• Enough money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with applicable health and character requirements.
• Evidence of genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.